Freymiller Marks 50 Years Of Success
Oklahoma City, OK… Freymiller has reached the half-century mark with founder Don Freymiller declaring that his family and extended family of staff, drivers and business associates have always been the fuel for the company’s success.
“I had no idea in 1968 that we would grow to
be this size” says Don, who will turn 80 this month. “It wasn’t one big plan. I
just knew we would operate by the rules, treat people right and offer great
service, and we have.”
Don
first hauled cattle and hogs before adding a refrigerated trailer in 1970. By
1973, he had sold the livestock trailers and moved to all refrigerated
freight. When the industry was deregulated in 1980, Don says many
carriers went under. “A lot of companies didn’t survive deregulation,
they just could not operate under the new system,” he says. “Spending time
early on as a lease operator, I knew how to run a profitable business, and I
was surrounded by outstanding people who I could trust and knew would do a good
job.”
Among
those Don has in key positions are his four grown children. “Not many fathers
can say their family has been with them in business every step of the way, but
I can,” he says. “My youngest son, David, used to stand on a wooden box in
the shop to help wash diesel parts.” For the last 24 years David has been
the company’s President and CEO. Like his father, David doesn’t hesitate
to credit the people of Freymiller. “We have been blessed over the years
to have so many wonderful drivers and employees that have helped take the
company to where we are today,” says David.
Dennis
Freymiller, Don’s elder son, is Vice President of Sales and Marketing;
daughter, Diane, is the Billing and Credit/Receivable Manager; and daughter,
Denise, is the company’s Executive Administrator, and David’s Corporate
Assistant.
All
of the Freymillers are quick to give special credit to their driving force. “I
appreciate each and every driver out there, whoever they work for,” says Don.
“They do a tough job day in and day out, so America can have that jar of
pickles on the shelf when wanted.”
David
echoes his father’s sentiment. “Without trucks, America stops. There is not one
commodity that we buy or consume, that was not on a truck at one point,”
says David. “Trucking can be a very satisfying career, where you can make a
good living without a formal education. It takes special people to be drivers,
and we are proud to have a lot of second and third generation drivers. This is
a job where you reap what you sow; the harder you work, the more miles you run,
the more money you make.”
Looking
to the future, Don says there’s really no telling where the industry will go.
“Fifty years ago, I could’ve never imagined that we would be able to start,
stop or change the te
David
says he believes some impending changes will improve the driver’s job. “I think
the FMCSA will be making some changes in our HOS that will make things easier
for the driver, i.e. split sleeper rules,” David says. “Another
exciting change currently happening is driver pay increases we have
been able to give and believe even more will be
coming.” Drivers work hard for America, and we need to make their life as
safe and smooth as possible.
To
celebrate their fifty years of growth and success, the company held a
celebration in October for their office/shop employees and business partners.
They are also having driver luncheon celebrations every week, the month of
November, for the 50th Anniversary and Don Freymiller’s 80th Birthday
at their corporate headquarters in Oklahoma City. “We hope to welcome many of
America’s drivers and show our appreciation for their loyalty to our industry,
dedication and hard work,” says David.
Freymiller
is a truckload refrigerated motor carrier that specializes in the safe and
efficient transportation of temperature controlled, time sensitive freight in
the 48 contiguous states. To obtain additional information about Freymiller,
its transportation services or various career opportunities, please call toll
free 800-378-1074, locally 405-491-2800, visit www.Freymiller.com,
connect on Facebook or listen to Freymillerradio.com